1996 LT1 Engine Mods
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Joined: Nov 2006
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1996 LT1 Engine Mods
I am considering extending the mods already successfully installed on my LT1 CE Coupe, I now have JBA shorty headers, corsa exhaust, comp cam pro magnum 1.6 roller rocker arms, chromemoly pushrods and stronger valve springs which has improved the sound and performance without effecting the mpg.
I am now considering installing a new cam, meziere water pump, timing chain and the msd pro-billet opti distributor, I would appreciate the experts advice if it is worth changing to the electric water pump and the MSD opti rather than replacing with original GM parts.
I would also appreciate your advice on the recommended cam for my current setup or parts or part numbers that you are using successfully yourselves, I do not wish to modify the current OBD 2 setup unless you think its worth it.
I do not race the car, but wish to make minor improvements over stock.
Thanks in advance
I am now considering installing a new cam, meziere water pump, timing chain and the msd pro-billet opti distributor, I would appreciate the experts advice if it is worth changing to the electric water pump and the MSD opti rather than replacing with original GM parts.
I would also appreciate your advice on the recommended cam for my current setup or parts or part numbers that you are using successfully yourselves, I do not wish to modify the current OBD 2 setup unless you think its worth it.
I do not race the car, but wish to make minor improvements over stock.
Thanks in advance
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,764
Likes: 0
From: Warren MI
if you put a cam in then I would go with the electric WP, since you have a 96 the opti is already vented I believe so I would not change it unless its bad. You might want to change timing chains depending on miles...you could go with the LT4 hotcam.
I would have put long tubes on instead of short headers, but that's me I put Stainless Works LT on mine with magnaflow mufflers & no cats.
I would have put long tubes on instead of short headers, but that's me I put Stainless Works LT on mine with magnaflow mufflers & no cats.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,715
Likes: 27
From: Kempner Texas
A few months ago I built a 388 for my 96 LT1. I bought virtually all new parts, taking as few as possible from my stock LT1, so I could have chosen whatever new parts I wanted - cost wasn't a concern.
I went with a new GM Opti and water pump. I've read several posts recently of guys having problems with the MSD unit. You can check here, ThirdGen.org and Camaroz28.com, etc. to read up on the MSD unit. And I just don't trust electric water pumps.
My heads are ported AFRs and the stock LT1 intake I bought was ported to match, so my cam choice will be different for you, since you're still stock.
I'd go with a ComCams XFI hydraulic roller no larger than 218 In/224 Ex @ .050. You'll need valve springs, but STAY AWAY from BeeHives; too many failures.
Let PCMFORLESS re-program the PCM; Bryan may recommend larger injectors. Email him.
Hope this helps.
Jake
I went with a new GM Opti and water pump. I've read several posts recently of guys having problems with the MSD unit. You can check here, ThirdGen.org and Camaroz28.com, etc. to read up on the MSD unit. And I just don't trust electric water pumps.
My heads are ported AFRs and the stock LT1 intake I bought was ported to match, so my cam choice will be different for you, since you're still stock.
I'd go with a ComCams XFI hydraulic roller no larger than 218 In/224 Ex @ .050. You'll need valve springs, but STAY AWAY from BeeHives; too many failures.
Let PCMFORLESS re-program the PCM; Bryan may recommend larger injectors. Email him.
Hope this helps.
Jake
